Choosing the best 5 kayak racks for Kia Telluride ain’t just about throwing a boat on the roof and hittin’ the road. The Kia Telluride, with its factory roof rails and high stance, needs racks that actually fit right, hold steady, and match up with crossbars from brands like Yakima, Thule, or Rhino-Rack. In this article, we’re going over rack types that work for different kayak styles—like sit-on-top kayaks or touring kayaks—and ones that hold up under weight, wind, and rough use. Whether you’re eyein’ a load-assist system, J-cradle, or a solid saddle mount, this list breaks down racks that fit the Telluride roof without guesswork.
Best 5 Kayak Racks for Kia Telluride
01. TMS Kayak Roof Racks
So you’re lookin’ for a budget-friendly kayak rack that won’t quit? The TMS Kayak Roof Racks might be just your lane. These things come 2 pairs per box, meaning you’re loading 2 kayaks straight outta the gate. They bolt on to just about any crossbar setup, including ladder racks (if you’ve got one on your Hyundai Santa Cruz or truck). Made from powder-coated steel, they’re tough but not too fancy, with enough padding to keep your kayak from gettin’ chewed up. And because they hold your kayaks on their sides, you still got room on the roof for more gear—maybe a paddleboard or a gear box if you feelin’ extra.
They ain’t luxury gear, but they sure hold their own when it comes to J-bar kayak mounts. The racks got a wide-mouth design that actually makes it easier to load stuff on, especially when you’re trying to muscle a kayak up there solo. Just note, 75 lbs per kayak max, so if you’ve got a heavy tandem yak, might wanna weigh it before trusting the setup.
Pros:
- ✅ Super affordable for a 2-kayak setup—wallet-friendly without feelin’ cheap
- ✅ Rust-resistant steel + powder coating holds up surprisingly well in salt air
- ✅ Quick on/off hardware lets you pull ’em off fast when you’re not usin’
- ✅ Leaves space for extra roof gear since it mounts kayaks vertically
Cons:
- ❌ Padding is decent, but not thick enough for really long hauls or bumpy backroads
- ❌ No folding option – gotta remove if you’re worried about height clearance
- ❌ Straps included are basic—might wanna swap for stronger ratchets on windy drives
For anyone wantin’ a kayak roof rack for SUV, pickup, or crossover, and don’t wanna empty their pockets, this one’s a straight-up workhorse. Whether you’re haulin’ to Silver Springs, or just testing waters around the coastline, this rack gets the job done – no fluff, no drama.
02. AA-Racks 2 Pair J-Bar Rack
You lookin’ for a kayak rack setup that actually works with your Hyundai Santa Cruz without breakin’ the bank or your roofline? Then the AA-Racks 2 Pair J-Bar Rack got that box checked. This one’s got folding J-bars, which means you don’t need to yank ’em off just to squeeze into a garage. You just flip ‘em down and boom—low profile. The rubber pedal base and thick foam pads? They ain’t just there for looks. That’s real rubber, anti-slip, waterproof, sun-proof… all the proofs. It hugs your kayaks and don’t let ‘em rattle around or leave scratch graffiti all over your truck’s roof.
Where it earns extra credit? You get 2 pairs, which holds two full-size kayaks—and they throw in 4 heavy-duty ratchet straps, each 16 ft long and rated to 2200 lbs (way overkill, in the best way). Just bolt ‘em onto your Vault Cargo crossbars or any decent universal bar, and that’s it. No weird tools or head-scratching required. But yeah—no crossbars in the box, so don’t expect a full setup if your Santa Cruz’s roof is still bare.
Pros:
- ✅ You get two sets, so carryin’ two kayaks is no issue
- ✅ Fold-down design makes garage access and low-clearance parking a breeze
- ✅ Real rubber + thick foam = better kayak grip + zero roof damage
- ✅ Ratchet straps included, and they’re beefy—like, tow-a-boat strong
Cons:
- ❌ No crossbars included, so you need existing roof rails or it’s a no-go
- ❌ Folding hinge could get sticky if not cleaned now and then
- ❌ Can look bulky if you’re not actually hauling kayaks 24/7
End of the day, for kayak roof racks, this one’s clean, tough, and does the job without asking questions. If you’re runnin’ weekend trips to Springs, rivers, or coastal inlets, this rack ain’t gonna flinch.
03. Goplus® Kayak Carrier
If your Hyundai Santa Cruz is ready to flex on the road with kayaks in tow, then the Goplus® Kayak Carrier brings some serious beef to your roof setup. The steel bars on this thing are thick—not some dollar store tubing—and coated in weather-resistant paint that don’t chip after two drives through salty air. What makes it real solid though? The combo of TPR rubber base and dense foam padding. It hugs your kayak like it owes it money, while keepin’ your hull smooth and scratch-free the whole ride. The wide-mouth J-bar? Yeah, that makes loading way easier—less wiggling, more strappin’.
Fits up to 165 lbs and kayaks 36″ wide, so unless you’re trying to transport a whale, you’re good. It works with round, square, and flat crossbars, so no headache about compatibility. Setup’s quick—hardware’s included—and it ain’t just for kayaks, either. Haul your SUPs, skis, or even a canoe if you’re wild like that.
Pros:
- ✅ Super durable steel tubing, plus powder coat for long-term use
- ✅ Rubber base + foam padding offers serious kayak protection
- ✅ Can carry up to 165 lbs – perfect for wide or heavy yaks
- ✅ Works with most factory & aftermarket crossbars
Cons:
- ❌ Doesn’t fold, so taller setups might block garage doors
- ❌ Initial setup might feel a little clunky—hardware’s solid, just needs patience
- ❌ Not as quick to remove as some “tool-free” mounts
Overall, if you want a kayak roof rack that’ll survive actual use—not just look good in pictures—the Goplus® delivers. Whether you’re headin’ to Weeki Wachee, Silver Springs, or some secret river spot no one’s heard of, it’s the type of carrier that won’t let you down halfway through the trip.
04. Mrhardware A01 Kayak Roof Rack
The Mrhardware A01 Kayak Roof Rack keeps things basic—but not cheap—and sometimes that’s all you really need. If you’re rockin’ a Hyundai Santa Cruz, this rack bolts on clean and holds tight. Comes pre-assembled, so you ain’t dealing with a puzzle out the box. Just slap it onto your factory or aftermarket crossbars (round, square, or flat… whatever you got), and you’re nearly ready to roll. The steel frame‘s coated to fight off rust, and it’s padded where it needs to be so your yak don’t get beat up while you’re out there hittin’ backroads or bouncin’ to the coast.
And yo, the straps that come with it? Low-key impressive. You’re gettin’ 12-foot tie downs with metal clasps, plus a second pair rated up to 600 lbs break strength—way over what you’ll need, but nice to have that cushion. Carries up to 100 lbs and 36” wide kayak—pretty much covers most models unless you’re haulin’ a canoe from the 1800s.
Pros:
- ✅ Budget-friendly but not sketchy—good grip, solid build
- ✅ Comes pre-assembled – just clamp and go
- ✅ Double strap system adds peace of mind at highway speeds
- ✅ Fits a wide range of crossbar shapes – square, round, oval, and flat
Cons:
- ❌ Only holds one kayak – no way around it
- ❌ Doesn’t fold down, so garage clearance may be an issue
- ❌ Padding’s alright but not luxury-level—might wanna DIY more foam for pricey kayaks
Honestly, this one’s good if you’re lookin’ for a simple kayak carrier that just works. You’re not payin’ for flashy branding or overkill tech—just solid steel, real hardware, and roof rack compatibility that plays nice with the Santa Cruz or anything similar. Strap up, hit water, less drama.
05. Leader Accessories Folding Kayak Rack
Got a Hyundai Santa Cruz and need a solid setup for your kayak—or even a board or two? The Leader Accessories Folding Kayak Rack ain’t just for kayaks, it’s a multi-purpose beast. Built from 22mm thick steel tubing, coated in black powder (so it don’t rust every time a cloud passes), this rack’s rated for 150 lbs—that’s plenty for most canoes, SUPs, skis, even a chunkier tandem yak. Bonus points? The 8.5″ wide cradle gives more support than a lot of other J-style carriers, meaning less wobble, less “did I strap it tight enough?” anxiety.
The thing folds too, with a quick-release ergonomic knob—basically means you don’t have to wrestle it every time you wanna park inside. The rubber foot base and foam top keep your kayak from getting all scratched up like it just fought a river monster. Compatible with most crossbars, except those cursed round ones (seriously, why do they even still make those?). Santa Cruz racks? You’re good to go.
Pros:
- ✅ Heavy-duty steel, built to last through rain, sun, road salt—whatever
- ✅ Carries more than just kayaks: SUPs, snowboards, surfboards too
- ✅ Folds flat when not in use—drive-thru safe
- ✅ Comes with 4 solid tie-down straps, no need to buy separate gear
- ✅ Fits square, factory, aero bars just fine
Cons:
- ❌ No-go on round crossbars, unless you like sketchy setups
- ❌ Slightly heavier than other racks due to solid steel build
- ❌ Quick-release knob might feel stiff the first few uses
This one’s built like a tank with just enough finesse not to ruin your roofline. If you need a versatile car top kayak rack that also lets you haul a couple other toys on your weekend escape, this one’s ready. Great fit for the Santa Cruz, and honestly feels like it was designed with real-life paddlers in mind—not just showroom models.
How to Choose the Best Kayak Racks for Kia Telluride
You gotta check what roof setup you got first. Some Kia Telluride trims come with factory-installed roof rails, while some don’t. If yours has none, then you’re starting from scratch. No point shopping for a kayak rack if there’s nothin’ to mount it on. You’d need a base system—look for crossbars that fit Telluride’s wide roof profile.
Some brands like Yakima, Rhino-Rack, and Thule make specific kits that go with 2020–2024 Kia Telluride models. You can’t just buy any crossbar and slap it on. Rail width, spacing, mounting points—they all matter.
Telluride’s Bigger Size Ain’t Always a Plus
Even though the Telluride’s SUV body style gives you more room, it comes with its own mess of issues. It’s taller, which means hoisting a kayak up there? That ain’t fun unless you 6 foot 4. The roof height’s roughly 70 inches off the ground, so you’ll likely need load-assist systems or a step stool if you’re on the shorter side.
And cause it’s got a larger roof surface, wind drag is more noticeable once you throw a 12-ft sit-on-top kayak up there. Your fuel efficiency’s gonna drop a bit, no matter how good your rack is. Happens to everybody.
Check the Telluride’s Roof Load Limit
This one’s important and a lotta people skip it. The Kia Telluride has a roof weight limit around 165 pounds (that’s dynamic, while the car’s moving). So if your kayak rack is like 20–30 lbs and your kayak weighs 55–65 lbs, you still got some wiggle room for maybe two kayaks if they small ones. But no guessing—look it up in the manual.
Overloading that roof? Bad idea. Can dent the frame or mess up handling if weight ain’t spread evenly. Plus, some racks need tie-down anchors in the front or back, and Telluride bumpers ain’t designed for that without some extra gear.
Don’t Cheap Out on Mount Type
You’ll see racks that go on with clamps, suction cups, or bolts. For a big SUV like the Telluride, skip suction. They might work for lighter loads, but a 13-ft touring kayak ain’t one of them. You’ll wanna go for J-cradles, saddle-style carriers, or stackers if you’re haulin’ more than one.
J-cradles tilt the kayak, saving space and makin’ room for extra gear. They’re solid, but they do stick up high. Saddle racks hold the kayak flat and are lower profile, easier for windy areas or long highway drives.
Watch Out for Kayak Length & Fit
Your Telluride can fit long boats, sure. But anything over 14 feet is gonna hang off the front and rear. And some states got rules about how much stuff can extend past your bumper. If the kayak’s hangin’ too far off, you’re supposed to add a red safety flag or light, depending on where you live.
Sit-on-top kayaks, fishing kayaks, and inflatable kayaks all vary in size. If you use inflatables, you can deflate ‘em and throw ’em in the trunk. Way less hassle. But for hard-shell boats, racks with tie-down straps, padding, and anti-sway cradles is the safer route.
Loading and Unloading – It’s a Chore Without Help
Loading a 50+ lb kayak on an SUV solo is rough. Telescoping arms, roller-assisted mounts, or hydraulic load-assist carriers make a huge diff. Might cost more, but saves your back. If you ain’t got those, either bring a buddy or get ready to struggle. Don’t even think about dragging it on the paint.
Also, mind your lift height. The taller the rack sits, the harder the lift. Some aero bar systems sit lower, and that helps a bit.
Durability & Weather Resistance
Telluride’s popular in areas that get heat, snow, rain—depends where you live. If you’re in a place like Texas or Arizona, heat cracks rubber parts real fast. You’ll want UV-resistant rubber and powder-coated steel. Coastal or humid zones? Go stainless or it’ll rust in 3 months. Salt and steel don’t mix.
Check straps too—nylon webbing breaks down if left in the sun. Replace them every year or two, don’t wait ‘til one snaps on the freeway.
What About Wind Noise?
Once you add a rack and a kayak, the Telluride’s wind profile changes. Some racks whistle like mad, especially square bars. You can buy wind fairings, or go with aero-style crossbars that cut down on noise. You’ll still hear some noise, but it won’t sound like a tornado’s on the roof.
Fuel mileage drops too—maybe 2–4 mpg loss depending on your kayak’s size and shape. Remove the rack when you ain’t usin’ it, that helps.
